February 14, 2000 Vol. 2, No. 6

This Week in Washington...

For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org

"ZIONISM IS RACISM" REVISITED: The old "Zionism is racism" charge has surfaced again at the UN. While applying for special "non-govenmental organization" (NGO) status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Hadassah found itself confronted with accusations by the Lebanese and Syrian representatives that Zionism is based on "the concept of ethnic superiority, of occupation and exclusion of others." Adopted in 1975, UN Resolution 3379 was finally rescinded in 1991. During the examination of Hadassah’s application to ECOSOC, Lebanese and Syrian representatives renewed this old charge, suggesting that the resolution was repealed for political rather than factual reasons. Representatives Lowey (NY) and King (NY) are soliciting signatures for a letter to UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke encouraging him to express deep consternation at this inappropriate attack, in addition to expressing concern to UN Secretary General Annan. JCPA member agencies are requested to contact their Representatives, urging them to sign the letter before close of business Wednesday February 16, 2000.

HONORABLE DISCHARGE? House Democrats plan to use a procedural maneuver this week called a discharge petition to force floor votes on two measures aimed at easing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Although there is virtually no chance that either bill will garner the 218 votes needed to force a floor vote, the move is designed to gain attention for the issue. This tactic was successfully employed last year on campaign finance reform and patients rights legislation.

IT’S OFF TO WORK THEY GO: On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider legislation introduced by Representative John Conyers (MI) directing the Justice Department to collect data on all routine traffic violations nationwide to determine whether or not police engage in racial profiling. This would allow Congress to ascertain the extent to which such profiling is occurring, increase police awareness of racial profiling, and determine if any broader response is needed. Also on Tuesday, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom will hold a hearing concerning the fighting currently going on in the Sudan and the religious persecution of Christians and followers of traditional African religions that is fueling this conflict. Secretary of State Madeline Albright is scheduled to appear before the House International Relations Committee on Wednesday to discuss the President’s fiscal 2001 foreign affairs budget request. The House Education and the Workforce Committee will once again consider portions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Committee decided to reauthorize the legislation in separate pieces instead of as one bill. This week, legislators will consider literacy programs for adults and children. The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to "mark-up" legislation on Wednesday which would repeal the earnings limit for Social Security recipients.

ASSESSING WELFARE REFORM: The Subcommittee on Human Resources of the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a field hearing in Baltimore today on how changes in the welfare programs mandated by Congress have been implemented in various parts of the country. Among those scheduled to testify is Delegate Samuel Rosenberg of the Maryland House of Delegates. Luckily for those of us who cannot attend, Del. Rosenberg will be joining JCPA plenum participants at a special meeting on February 29^th to discuss the progress of new welfare programs.

This Week in New York...

For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org

LARGE AUDIENCE FOR SATELLITE BROADCAST: Over 500 professionals and volunteers at more than 50 sites across North America participated in last week’s satellite broadcast on Holocaust-era insurance claims. The broadcast, which was co-sponsored by the JCPA, the Claims Conference, and the International Commission on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims (ICHEIC), briefed the community on details of the international claims resolution process that will be launched by ICHEIC tomorrow. The launch may be viewed on the Internet at noon, EST, at www.ICHEIC.com. To obtain a videotape copy of the satellite broadcast, contact Lil Kleiman at ABDATA,Ltd., (414) 540-5029, lkleiman@abdata.com. To receive a claims form, contact ICHEIC’s help line at 1-800-957-3203.

ATTENTION, INSIDER FANS: The JCPA Insider will take a brief hiatus until after the Plenum, resuming publication on Monday, March 6^th.